The Naples sprint turned into a bitter day for Unibet Rose Rockets and Dylan Groenewegen. The Amsterdam sprinter hit the ground on the final bend, just as he was preparing to launch his sprint towards the finish line of the Neapolitan stage of the Giro d'Italia, the finish of the sixth stage. Elmar Reinders, another key member of the Dutch team's lead-out train and teammate who came from Team Jayco AlUla, also crashed with him. For Unibet Rose Rockets, at their first participation in the Giro d'Italia, Naples was supposed to be one of the great opportunities to make their mark. The team had worked perfectly throughout the day, positioning Groenewegen in the perfect spot to fight for victory. Then, however, the cobblestones made treacherous by the first drops of rain and a slip in the bend wiped out everything in just a few seconds. Despite the pain and disappointment, Groenewegen presented himself at the end of the stage with a positive spirit, emphasizing above all the work done by the team. «It was a bit slippery and we crashed. What a shame, we did fantastic work and a crash in the sprint can happen. It was really slippery and well, you saw what happened. But I'm really proud of the team. The guys did fantastic work today and then it was just bad luck at the end».

From the Unibet Rose Rockets bus, the prevailing sentiment is not one of resignation, but of conviction that they can continue to believe in winning a stage in their first participation in the Giro. The team believes they have raced at the level of the best formations in the Giro and have all the credentials to claim the top step of the podium in the next opportunities dedicated to sprinters.

Groenewegen, although in pain, managed to get back up, continue on, and cross the finish line in the saddle. An important signal, especially with a view to the coming days, in which the goal will be to recover energy and return to being competitive in the sprints. «Yesterday's stage was a disappointment for us, because we really hadn't made any mistakes and we were exactly where we wanted to be. But now we need to look ahead to the next opportunity that will present itself. I think we are a team that can win in this Giro and we are in the right position to aim for victory. Now we need some time to recover, but I believe that by the next opportunity we'll be ready».

The main concern is his shoulder, which had been hit previously. On this too, however, the Dutch sprinter showed himself to be optimistic. «I hit my shoulder again. But I think that with a few days of recovery everything will be fine».

Naples thus leaves bitterness, but also the awareness that Unibet Rose Rockets can compete at a high level in their first Giro d'Italia. And when the next opportunity for the fast wheels arrives, Groenewegen wants to be there again, ahead of everyone.